One dead, one injured in Marine helicopter crash in Imperial County
Dillon Fuhrman
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A Marine helicopter crash in Imperial County left one pilot dead and another injured Thursday.
According to a press release, the crash happened at around 7:05 p.m. when an AH-1Z Viper experienced an “aviation mishap during routine operations near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, California.”
The press release says there were two pilots on board who were taken to two separate hospitals. One of the pilots being taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, where the pilot later died. The other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where the pilot is in stable condition.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to go into harm’s way. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we send our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief.”
Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, Commanding General of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
To learn more about the crash, click here.